JP2024506714A - Equipment for modifying hygroscopic materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to thermal or thermomechanical treatment of hygroscopic materials to adjust material properties. The present invention relates to a device for modifying hygroscopic materials. The modification device comprises a modification unit (202) and a fluid container (204) coupled to at least one fluid opening (203) via a control valve (205). The modification device heats the hygroscopic material within the modification unit (202) to extract water from the hygroscopic material and directs the fluid from the fluid container to the at least one fluid opening in response to opening of the control valve (205). The modification unit (203) is configured to lead into the modification unit (202) through the modification unit (203). The modification device further includes a treatment agent (207) added to the fluid so that the treatment agent is absorbed into the hygroscopic material and modifies it. The treatment agent (207) includes at least one of the following ingredients: preservatives, dyes, pigments, fragrances, deodorants, insecticides, impregnating ingredients, or flame retardants.

Description

Technical Field: The present invention relates to thermal or thermomechanical treatment of hygroscopic materials to adjust material properties.

Hygroscopic materials readily attract water from their surroundings through absorption or adsorption. Wood is a versatile hygroscopic material that can be used for a variety of purposes. Instead of wood, the hygroscopic material may include, for example, plants including woody plants, cellulose fibers, cotton, paper, honey, ethanol, methanol, or concentrated sulfuric acid. Hereinafter, wood and woody plants will be referred to as wood.

Wood processing methods are classified into mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical methods. Examples of mechanical treatment methods include sawing, splitting, and pressing, ie, applying force to the wood.

Drying is a method of physically treating wood. Heating is another physical treatment method that essentially shrinks the wood and slows wood decay. As used herein, wood is considered a processed wood product, whereas lumber is less processed wood, such as felled trees. Heating at high temperatures reduces the so-called wear resistance of wood and may cause cracks. Steam treatment is a physical wood treatment method that prevents or inhibits wood cracking.

Watering or ponding are examples of biological treatment methods. This type of wet storage of wood is used in pulp and paper mills near the coast where brackish water is available. Biological treatment methods based on the use of fungi, bacteria, or enzymes are being tested in laboratories, and some methods are being piloted.

The use of preservatives is one of the chemical treatment methods. Certain types of fungi cause wood rot. Preservatives protect wood from fungi, spores, insects, and/or marine borers. Preservatives are spread over the surface of the wood using, for example, a paintbrush. The use of penetration enhancers is another example of a method of chemically treating hygroscopic materials. Impregnation methods are based on the use of resins or reactive substances, and therefore it is classified as a chemical processing method. Resins are slightly viscous organic liquids that may contain formaldehyde.

Some wood treatment methods combine different types of methods. For example, pressure impregnation of wood is such a method based on chemical preservatives and pressure, more specifically water pressure.

Pressure impregnation of wood is carried out in the impregnation chamber as follows. First, wood made of wood is loaded into an impregnation chamber, where the vacuum created empties the air inside the wood cells. Second, the wood is impregnated with a preservative. Third, hydraulic pressure is used to force the preservative into the wood so that excess pressure is created within the impregnation chamber. Fourth, vacuum again to remove excess preservative from the wood. Finally, the wood is dried in an impregnation chamber to obtain the final moisture content of the wood.

The TMTM (thermo-mechanical wood modification) process has been developed by a company named "Avant wood" and represents prior art close to the present invention. The TMTM process involves heating a hygroscopic material within a modification unit that includes a modification unit. More specifically, this process includes the following five phases executed in the modification unit included in the modification unit.

1. Heating of the wood is initiated in the modification unit and mechanical pressure is applied to the wood. Water is used to avoid damaging the wood, as heating can cause cracks and/or other types of wood damage during the process.

2. Water removal and wood densification are the next process phases. Heat and mechanical pressure remove water from the wood. Said densification requires a certain moisture content of the wood and a suitable temperature.

3. Thermal modification is a process phase that reduces the moisture content of wood and improves its dimensional stability.

4. Wood cooling means using water for cooling to prevent such wood (drying) defects that may occur after wood modification processes.

5. Moisture content stabilization to achieve the desired moisture content in wood. Finally, the wood is released from mechanical pressure and the process ends.

The TMTM process significantly improves wood qualities such as strength and hardness. This process increases the dimensional stability and permeability of the wood. The TMTM process increases the surface density of the wood, or alternatively increases the overall density of the wood. In both cases, the surface wear resistance of the wood is improved. In the TMTM process, different tree species or woody plants can be treated in different ways, and the process allows the production of customer-specific wood products.

As mentioned above, impregnation is one of the chemical treatment methods for wood, and pressure impregnation is also a known wood treatment method.

One drawback of the prior art is that pressurized impregnation requires considerable energy, as it is necessary to create at least one vacuum and at least one excess pressure in the impregnation chamber. be. Energy use is costly, and energy production usually results in _CO2 emissions. Cheap and environmentally friendly equipment for wood impregnation improves the usefulness of wood.

One aspect of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and save energy by avoiding pressure impregnation.

One aspect of the present invention is to further develop the TMTM (thermo-mechanical wood modification) process to modify the properties of hygroscopic materials in a more versatile way.

One aspect of the invention is to treat the wood so that it has predetermined dimensions after processing. In other words, no wood is wasted.

One aspect of the invention is to take advantage of appropriate moments in the process of modifying hygroscopic materials. As is known, wood is dried by heating, that is, heating reduces the moisture content of the wood. As the moisture content decreases, the wood itself becomes more susceptible to absorbing fluids. This means that wood easily absorbs moisture. Since this is the right moment to modify the properties of the wood, a fluid containing specific components is introduced into the modification unit containing the wood.

Fluids include some form of water or solvent. The fluid further includes certain ingredients such as preservatives that are added to the fluid. If the wood absorbs fluids easily, the preservative will penetrate deep into the wood along with the fluid. Instead of wood, cellulose fibers, cotton or other hygroscopic materials can be modified in the modification unit.

Instead of or in addition to preservatives, for example, as treatment agents, dyes, pigments, and impregnating components, or flame retardants can be used. Because the treatment agent is added to the fluid, the treatment agent penetrates the hygroscopic material along with the fluid and modifies the material properties.

The present invention relates to a device for modifying hygroscopic materials, the modification device comprising a modification unit, at least one fluid opening in the modification unit, and a fluid container coupled to said at least one fluid opening by a control valve. Equipped with The modification device is
heating the hygroscopic material within the modification unit to extract water from the hygroscopic material in response to opening of the control valve;
The fluid is configured to direct fluid from the fluid container into the modification unit through at least one fluid opening.

The modification device further includes a treatment agent added to the fluid, such that the treatment agent in the modification unit is absorbed into the hygroscopic material along with the fluid to modify the hygroscopic material, and the treatment agent contains the following ingredients: preservative. , dyes, pigments, fragrances, deodorants, insecticides, impregnating ingredients, and flame retardants.

For a more complete understanding of examples and embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following accompanying drawings:

Indicates the moment when a hygroscopic material is highly susceptible to absorbing fluids. 1 shows a device for modifying hygroscopic materials; Examples of modification units and modification devices are shown. An example of a wood modification device is shown. Indicates that a water-soluble processing agent is introduced into the modification unit. This shows that a treatment agent in aerosol form is being introduced into the modification unit. The mixing of water and treatment agent before the modification unit is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is understood that the following embodiments are exemplary. Although this specification may refer to "one" embodiment, this does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), or where the feature in question applies to multiple embodiments. There is also.

Figure 1 shows the modification process according to the invention and shows the moment when the hygroscopic material is highly susceptible to absorbing fluids. Various factors influence the modification process. For example, what kind of hygroscopic materials will be treated? Hygroscopic materials are, for example, cotton fabrics folded in stacks, or sections of cellulose fibers in mesh bags, or stacks of wood. If the material is wood, the modification process may be tailored based on the wood species, such that, for example, the process duration and temperature within the process are different for each wood species. The X-axis 101 shows process duration in time, and the Y-axis 102 shows temperature. Wood processing times are typically 6 to 38 hours and temperatures are typically up to 200°C. Although the modification process is divided into five phases like the TMTM process described in the Background of the Invention, in one embodiment, there is no mechanical pressure of any kind in the modification process.

Heating 103 of the hygroscopic material is the first process phase. The hygroscopic material is placed in the modification unit where heating is started. If the hygroscopic material is wood, liquid water or steam can be introduced into the modification unit to avoid damage to the wood. When watered or steamed, the moisture content of the hygroscopic material increases and can reach its maximum point.

The wood can also be subjected to mechanical pressure, which means, for example, applying force to the hygroscopic material with a hydraulic press. Contrary to the TMTM process, mechanical pressure is optional in the modified process according to the invention.

Water removal and densification 104 is the next process phase. Sprinkling with water or steaming (if used in any way) is prohibited. At least by heating and optionally by mechanical pressure, water is removed from the hygroscopic material, and water removal causes densification of the hygroscopic material. Temperature curve 105 shows the temperature during the modification process.

Thermal modification 106 is the process phase when the temperature reaches its highest point and the hygroscopic material becomes extremely dry. In other words, due to its low moisture content, hygroscopic materials are highly susceptible to absorbing any fluids. Moment 107 is the moment when cooling of the hygroscopic material begins. In the TMTM process, cooling is done with water. The essential difference between the processes is that in the TMTM process the steam only contains water. Conversely, in the modified method according to the invention, the steam may contain a treatment agent.

Treatment agents have many possibilities to influence the properties of hygroscopic materials. For example, the material can be colored with dyes or pigments, and/or in addition, preservatives, pesticides, or impregnating ingredients can be used to increase the durability of the material. Pesticides are ingredients or mixtures that kill pests or prevent or reduce the damage they can cause. Pests are, for example, insects, rats or other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, bacteria or viruses. The odor of heat-treated wood can be distracting to people, and in some embodiments, the treatment agents include odor removers (anti-bromination agents) and/or fragrances.

Adding water to the modification unit ends the thermal modification 106 phase. In one embodiment, moment 107 is determined based on hygrometer measurements obtained from the modification unit.

Cooling 108 is initiated by water added to the modification unit. Heating has already been stopped or it will be stopped in this phase. Temperature curve 105 shows a decrease in temperature.

Moisture content stabilization 109 is the final process phase. Over time, the hygroscopic material reaches a predetermined moisture content. When mechanical pressure is applied to the hygroscopic material, the hygroscopic material is released from it. Finally, the hygroscopic material is removed from the modification unit.

FIG. 2 shows an apparatus 200 for modifying a hygroscopic material 201. As shown in FIG. Modification device 200 enables the modification process shown in the previous figure. Modification device 200 comprises a modification unit 202 , at least one fluid opening 203 in modification unit 202 , and a fluid container 204 . This figure shows a cross section of modification unit 202 and fluid container 204.

In one embodiment, modification unit 202 is made of multiple layers of bricks and has a cubic shape, and fluid container 204 has a barrel shape. In one embodiment, the modification unit 202 has a door for placing the hygroscopic material 201 into the modification unit 202 and for removing the hygroscopic material 201 from the modification unit 202 (the door is omitted from the figure). In one embodiment, modification unit 202 is a drying oven that can heat air and circulate the heated air within modification unit 202.

Fluid container 204 is coupled to at least one fluid opening 203 via a control valve 205. The modification device 200 performs the following steps in the modification process: heats the hygroscopic material 201 within the modification unit 202 to extract water therefrom, and then, in response to the opening of the control valve 205, at least It is configured to carry out channeling into the modification unit 202 through one fluid opening 203 .

Modification device 200 further includes a treatment agent 207 added to fluid 206. In one embodiment, treatment agent 207 is first added to water in liquid form and then boiled so that both the water and treatment agent 207 change from liquid form to gaseous form. In one embodiment, fluid container 204 has electrical resistance to boiling water and treatment agent 207. In one embodiment, fluid container 204 is a pressure vessel and fluid 206 includes superheated steam, ie, the steam has a temperature above its boiling point at the pressure prevailing within fluid container 204.

Assuming that the mass of the hygroscopic material 201 is known and the heating capacity of the modification unit 202 is known, it is possible to estimate the moment when the hygroscopic material 201 is sufficiently susceptible to absorbing the fluid 206.

In many embodiments, measurement data is utilized to determine the appropriate moment to open control valve 205. In one embodiment, control valve 205 is opened and closed manually. In another embodiment, the modification process is automated such that the computer uses a motor to open and close the control valve 5.

Nevertheless, in response to the opening of the control valve 205, the fluid 206 flows into the modification unit 202 and the treatment agent 207 is absorbed along with the fluid 206 into the hygroscopic material 201, modifying it. The water content of the treatment agent 207 specifies how the hygroscopic material 201 is modified. The processing agent 207 includes at least one of the following components: preservative, dye, pigment, fragrance, deodorant, insecticide, impregnation component, and flame retardant. For example, if the treatment agent 207 includes a preservative as well as a dye, the dye changes the color of the hygroscopic material 201 and the preservative protects it from rot, mold, or another type of defect.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the modification unit 202 and modification device. In one embodiment, the modification apparatus 200 includes a blower 301 and a heater 302 to heat the hygroscopic material 201 within the modification unit 202 such that the blower 301 can blow air toward the heater 302 . Modification unit 202 is equipped with a heat insulating layer 303 to avoid heat leakage.

In one embodiment, modification device 200 includes the following instruments for determining the moment of introduction of fluid 206 and treatment agent 207 into the modification unit: a thermometer 304 in modification unit 202, a hygrometer 305 in modification unit 202, At least one of the clocks 306 is included.

In one embodiment, the modification device 200 includes a compression device 307 that applies a force to the hygroscopic material 201 to extract water from the hygroscopic material 201. In one embodiment, compression device 307 is a hydraulic press or another type of mechanical press.

In one embodiment, modification device 200 includes rails, rollers, or some other mechanical device for moving hygroscopic material 201 into and out of modification unit 202.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the modification device 200 from three viewpoints 401 to 403. The hygroscopic material 201 is here a stack of wood 404 comprising sawn wood pieces of the same size, such as planks or boards. In one embodiment, the piece of wood has a predetermined size prior to use of modification device 200 that causes shrinkage of the piece of wood. Since the degree of shrinkage is known, modification device 200 results in a piece of wood having a final predetermined dimension.

In other words, there is no need to saw or plane pieces of wood to sell to customers. This advantage of modification device 200 saves wood material and reduces the need for labor. In one embodiment, the wood piece obtains a preservation color and a final color in the modification device 200. After that, the wood pieces are ready for use, for example, in the construction of a terrace or for the roofing of a house.

The wood stack 404 is seen from its side in all viewpoints 401-403.

A first perspective 401 shows a stack of wood 404 placed on the bottom 405 of the modification unit 202. In this embodiment, modification unit 202 is comprised of two removable parts. The bottom 405 comprises a support piece, such as a support piece 406, on which a stack of wood 404 is placed, for example by using a forklift. The bottom 405 is shown in dashed lines and is recessed in a concrete floor 407. The layers of wood stack 404 are separated from each other by wooden battens, such as battens 408. Because of the battens, fluid can penetrate between the layers of the wood stack 404 and affect each piece of wood.

A second perspective 402 shows the stack of wood 404 when a weight 409 is placed on it. Weight 409 applies a force to wood stack 404 to extract water from wood stack 404 . Since gravity is always the same, weight 409 provides the same force effect in modification device 200. The weight 409 includes a plastic pallet 410, an iron plate (shown by dotted lines) that functions as a weight 411, and a heat insulating material (not shown) around the weight 411. Because of the heat insulation property, heating energy is not wasted in heating the weight material 411. In one embodiment, EPS (expanded polystyrene) is used as insulation, the outer surface of which is protected with a fiberglass shell. A weight 409 with a pallet 410 is movable over the wood stack 404, for example by a forklift. At least one other corresponding weight 412 is placed on the wood stack 404 for thermomechanical wood treatment.

A third perspective 403 shows the top 413 of the modification unit 202 resting on and removable from the bottom 405 . Stacks of wood 404 and other objects within modification unit 202 are shown in dotted lines. The upper part 413 comprises a roof 414 to which four walls, such as wall 415, are attached. Upper part 413 has space for heater 302 and blower 301. This space is required to install at least one heater and blower near the roof 414. In one embodiment, heater 302 is an electrical resistance pack 416.

As shown in the third perspective 403, the upper part 413 is connected by a steel wire 417 to an electric winch that is attached to the ceiling of the building and can lift the upper part 413 (the electric winch and the ceiling are omitted from the figure). ). The upper part 413 is further connected to the mains power supply via electrical wires 418 so that, for example, the heater 302 and the blower 301 of the upper part 413 can be used. An advantage of this embodiment is that several modification units, such as modification unit 202, can be placed very close to each other on the floor of the hall, thus allowing a large amount of wood to be processed simultaneously in the hall.

FIG. 5 shows how the processing agent 207 is introduced into the modification unit 202 from a high perspective. In this embodiment of modification device 200, fluid container 204 is intended for water 501 and treatment agent 207, and fluid container 204 is one of the following fluid reservoirs: a liquid tank, a pressure cooker, a steam generator. . Fluid 206 within fluid container 204 includes a water-soluble treatment agent 207 .

Fluid container 204 is connected to fluid pipe 502 via control valve 205. Fluid conduit 502 comprises at least one fluid opening 203 for introducing treatment agent 207 together with water 501 into modification unit 202 . In this example, fluid conduit 502 includes three nozzles 503-505 extending into modification unit 202 and the same number of fluid openings.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the modification unit 202 and shows how the treatment agent 207 in aerosol form is introduced into the modification unit 202. In this embodiment, the modification device 200 comprises a steam generator 601 for cooling the hygroscopic material 201 with water 501, and a water sprinkler valve 602 is connected to the steam generator 601. Control valve 205 controls the introduction of fluid 206 from fluid container 204 to modification unit 202, and treatment agent 207 is included in fluid 206.

Embodiments allow for the following usage options: a) water 501 is used for cooling without treatment agent 207, b) treatment agent 207 is used without water 501, and c) treatment agent 207 is used for cooling. It is used at the same time as water 501. Option b) is useful when fluid container 204 includes a solvent and processing agent 207 is solvent-based.

In one embodiment, water sprinkler valve 602 and/or control valve 205 are on/off valves.

In one embodiment, water sprinkler valve 602 and/or control valve 205 are valves that can be gradually opened and closed.

In one embodiment, therapeutic agent 207 is introduced into modification unit 202 (through a fluid opening) in the form of an aerosol. Points in the figure indicate aerosols including aerosol 603. The blower 301 is arranged to mix the aerosol and the water vapor 501 throughout the interior of the modification unit 202 .

Treatment agent 207 includes a preservative in many use cases. Preservatives that can be used in the modification device 200 can be classified into solvent-based preservatives and water-based preservatives. In one embodiment, the solvent-based preservative includes creosote and/or copper. In another embodiment, the water-based preservatives include copper chromium arsenic, copper chromium boron, acid cupric chrome, zinc, copper oxide, copper naphthenic acid, glycol, and/or Contains silicates.

In one embodiment, heater 301 is a radiator 604 with liquid circulation. When using oil for liquid circulation, the radiator 604 can be heated up to 500°C. In one embodiment, the liquid circulation is connected to a heat exchanger 605, and the thermal energy produced, for example for wood processing, is guided to the heat exchanger 605 by pipes (the piping is omitted in the figure). An advantage of this embodiment is that the radiator 604 can be heated in an environmentally friendly manner by utilizing waste heat.

FIG. 7 shows the mixing of water 501 and treatment agent 207 before modification unit 202. Water 501 (steam in this case) is stored in the steam generator 601 . Steam generator 601 is connected to mixing pipe 702 via water pipe 701 and water sprinkler valve 602. Treatment agent 207 is included in fluid 206 stored within fluid container 204 . Fluid container 204 is connected to mixing pipe 702 via fluid pipe 703 and control valve 205.

When water sprinkler valve 602 is open and control valve 205 is open, water 501 flows into mixing tube 702 and fluid 206 flows into mixing tube 702. Water 501 is then added to fluid 206 and fluid 206 containing water 501 is directed into modification unit 202 through at least one fluid opening 203 .

An advantage of this embodiment is that the mixing tube 702 provides such a location in the modification device 200 for the densitometer 704 so that the densitometer 704 can measure the concentration of the treatment agent 207 in the fluid 206. be. With the sprinkler valve 602 and the control valve 205, the concentration of the treatment agent 207 in the fluid 206 can be adjusted by opening and closing the control valve 205 and/or the sprinkler valve 602.

Modification device 200 includes the following advantages associated with one or more of the figures and embodiments described above.

One advantage of modification device 200 is that even undervalued wood species can be used in many wood products if they are treated with modification device 200. This treatment improves the hardness, strength, and wear properties of wood made from these undervalued tree species.

Another advantage is that the modification device 200 is energy efficient since it can be used at normal atmospheric pressure and the modification time is short compared to prior art solutions.

Another advantage is that in addition to hardness, strength, and wear, other properties can also be modified. Other properties include a rich color palette and increased resistance to all types of wood damage. The color of wood can be determined by the use of dyes or pigments in the process. The modification device 200 further increases the durability and weather resistance of the wood when using preservatives and/or impregnating ingredients in the process.

Another advantage is that by using modification device 200, excessive use of impregnation or preservation components is avoided.

Most of the embodiments, features, and examples described above can themselves be combined. The invention is defined in the claims that follow.

Claims (15)

A modification device (200) for a hygroscopic material (201), the modification device comprising:
A modification unit (202),
at least one fluid opening (203) in the modification unit;
a fluid container (204) coupled to the at least one fluid opening (203) via a control valve (205);
The modification device includes:
heating the hygroscopic material in the modification unit at normal atmospheric pressure to extract water from the hygroscopic material in response to opening of the control valve (205);
configured to direct fluid (206) from the fluid container through the at least one fluid opening and into the modification unit;
The modification device further comprises a treatment agent (207) added to the fluid (206), thereby providing the modification unit (202) with:
The treatment agent (207) is absorbed into the hygroscopic material along with the fluid, modifying the hygroscopic material, and the treatment agent (207) contains the following ingredients: preservatives, dyes, pigments, fragrances, deodorants, insecticides. , an impregnating component, and a flame retardant. The modification device is configured to heat the hygroscopic material such that the modification unit (202) is a drying oven capable of heating air and circulating the heated air within the modification unit. The modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modification device includes a heater (302) and a blower (301) for heating the hygroscopic material in the modification unit (202), so that the blower (301) is directed toward the heater (302). Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is capable of blowing air. The modification device comprises one of the following instruments for determining the moment of introducing the fluid: a thermometer (304) in the modification unit (202), a hygrometer (305) in the modification unit, a clock (306). The modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following. Modification according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification device comprises a compression device (307) applying a force action on the hygroscopic material (201) so as to extract water from the hygroscopic material. Device. Modification device according to claim 5, characterized in that the compression device (307) is a hydraulic press. 12 , characterized in that the modification device comprises a weight (409) movable on the hygroscopic material, whereby water is extracted from the hygroscopic material by the action of a force caused by the weight. 1. The modification device according to 1. 8. Modification device according to claim 7, characterized in that the weight (409) comprises a pallet (410), a weight material (411) and an insulation around the weight material (411). Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification unit (202) in the modification device comprises a bottom (405) and a top (413) that are removable from each other. Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid container (204) in the modification device is intended to contain the treatment agent (207) and water (501). The modification device is characterized in that it comprises a steam generator (601) for cooling the hygroscopic material (201) with water and a water sprinkler valve (602) coupled to the steam generator. The modification device according to claim 1. Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment agent (207) in the modification device is introduced into the modification unit (202) in the form of an aerosol. Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater (302) is one of the following devices: an electrical resistance pack (416), a radiator with liquid circulation (604). that a steam generator (601) is coupled to a mixing tube (702) via a water sprinkler valve (602) and a fluid container (204) is coupled to said mixing tube via said control valve (205); Modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The treatment agent (207) contains the following ingredients as the preservative: creosote, copper, copper chromium arsenic, copper chromium boron, acid cupric chrome, zinc, copper oxide, copper naphthenate. The modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains at least one of naphthenic acid), glycol, and silicate.

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